Sky Sports: Liverpool to ‘Open Talks’ with 16-Goal Forward Amid Barcelona Interest | OneFootball

Luis Díaz Contract Talks: Liverpool Ready to Open Negotiations Amid Summer Uncertainty

As confirmed by Sky Sports News, Liverpool are preparing to open contract talks with Luis Díaz this summer. With the Colombian international’s current deal set to run until 2027, the Reds are reportedly eager to avoid any lingering uncertainty as interest mounts from Europe and beyond.

Despite being a key contributor to Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign under new manager Arne Slot, Díaz’s future remains unresolved — and in recent weeks, speculation has intensified.

“Liverpool plans to sort out the 28-year-old’s future in the coming days,” Sky Sports confirmed, echoing earlier reports from Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra.

Impressive Campaign Strengthens Díaz’s Case

Díaz ended the 2024/25 season with 16 goals and 5 assists in all competitions, a tally that clearly highlights his value in Slot’s high-intensity, attacking system. His performances on the left flank brought balance and flair, particularly during Liverpool’s decisive late-season push toward the title.

Some inconsistency, combined with Liverpool’s historically conservative wage policy, may complicate negotiations. Díaz is currently on a reported £55,000 per week — a figure that feels modest given his output and influence.

“There may be some compromise needed from both parties over the summer,” the article correctly observes. The Colombian is expected to seek a significant increase to reflect his role and market value, which has only been amplified by external interest.

External Pressure from Europe and Saudi Arabia

Luis Díaz is no stranger to transfer rumours, but the latest round is particularly credible. Fabrizio Romano, a trusted voice in the transfer market, has hinted at interest from Saudi clubs and notably, Barcelona.

Photo: IMAGO

Sporting Director Deco is reportedly keen on Díaz as a budget-conscious alternative to Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, with any potential move expected to cost upwards of £50 million. Díaz’s father added fuel to the fire back in 2023, saying: “Playing for Barça is his dream.”

Though there is currently no official bid, the narrative builds pressure on Liverpool to act swiftly. Allowing Díaz’s deal to run down — even with two years left — would only lower his market value and introduce unnecessary noise to what should be a summer of squad strengthening.

Strategic Timing Key for Liverpool

By sorting contract talks early in the summer, Liverpool can avoid a prolonged saga that could distract both club and player. With Jarell Quansah, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah all securing new deals this season, Díaz represents the next logical step in Liverpool’s retention strategy.

Photo: IMAGO

Díaz may not yet have the same legendary status as Salah or Van Dijk, but his influence in Slot’s setup is undeniable. His pace, work rate, and technical ability have helped define a new era under the Dutch manager — one that culminated in Liverpool’s first league title since 2020.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

If you’d told any Red back in August 2024 that Luis Díaz would finish the season with 16 goals, a Premier League medal, and Barcelona sniffing around, we’d have taken it in a heartbeat.

This is a player who gives everything — from relentless pressing to electric moments on the ball — and while he had a rough patch mid-season, who didn’t? Let’s not forget, during that tough run, he still ran himself into the ground for the shirt.

And now we hear Sky Sports confirming that contract talks are imminent. It’s about time. You can’t win the Premier League, help push for the double, and still be on £55k a week while others are tripling that. Díaz deserves better, and we trust Arne Slot and the club’s hierarchy to make the right call.

We also have to be realistic — if we want to keep world-class talent, we need to pay like a world-class club. Barcelona can admire from afar, but they’re not in the financial shape to outmuscle us. Saudi interest? Maybe more dangerous, but Díaz doesn’t strike us as the type to take a payday over passion — especially not after lifting the league trophy.

If anything, this contract talk should be about rewarding a player who’s bought into the Slot vision from day one. Lock him down, show faith, and let him continue growing into one of our most decisive forwards.

One thing’s clear: with the right backing, Díaz could become a Liverpool legend. And that journey needs to continue at Anfield — not Camp Nou, and certainly not Riyadh.